Policies and FAQs

Refunds, Returns & Exchanges

As each piece is made to order in our Vermont workshops, all sales are final.

That said, we understand that sometimes returns may be necessary. All returns are subject to review and must meet the following conditions:

  • Returns are for company credit only.

  • Items must be shipped back at the customer’s expense.

  • Items must arrive in original condition and in their original packaging.

  • Products may be opened and inspected but must be repackaged exactly as they were received.

  • A 25% restocking fee will be applied to all approved returns.

Custom Orders

Custom pieces made to your specifications are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, as they are tailored for you and cannot be resold.

For custom work, Authentic Designs provides renderings or drawings for approval before production begins. Once approval is given, the design is considered final. Changes requested after approval may result in additional costs and extended lead times.

Modified Custom Orders

We’re happy to modify existing designs or create fully custom work. When doing so:

  • A 50% deposit is required to begin design and production.

  • Shop drawings will be provided for approval.

  • Significant changes may incur additional hourly fees.

  • CAD work requested prior to placing an order will be billed hourly and credited if the order proceeds.

  • Once approved, modified custom orders may not be canceled or returned.

  • Modified pieces may not carry UL certification depending on design changes.

Please review all custom documents thoroughly. Approval confirms all specifications and final design.

Order Placement

Orders may be submitted:

  • Via email: lighting@authenticdesigns.com

  • Through our website: www.authenticdesigns.com

Please include:

  • Company name/Customer name

  • Product list with quantities

  • Shipping and final destination address (note if it’s a second/vacation home)

  • Delivery window or signature requirements

  • Side marks or shipping notes

  • Contact phone number for shipping destination

  • Payment method and billing address

Payment in full is required at the time of order. We accept checks, credit cards, and wire transfers. Contact us for wire instructions.

 

Order Confirmation & Lead Times

After we receive your order, you’ll receive an order confirmation with the full details of your order.

Estimated Production Timelines (not including shipping):

  • Quick Ship: 1–2 weeks

  • Rod Arm Line: 3–4 weeks

  • Sheet Metal Fixtures: 6–8 weeks

  • Specialty/Custom Lanterns & Chandeliers: 8–12 weeks

To reduce lead times, a rush service is available for an added fee of 30% of the fixture’s retail price.

Please note: all quoted lead times are estimates only and subject to change based on production schedule or material availability. We will communicate any delays.

Order Accuracy

Once your order is confirmed/payment is processed, it is considered final. Please review your confirmation and quotes carefully. Authentic Designs is not responsible for discrepancies in finish, quantity, or application once confirmation and payment are received.

Shipping Policy

We ship via FedEx Ground and Fedex Freight depending on order size and destination.

Business Deliveries: Signature required.
Residential Deliveries: Curbside delivery. Signature required. For second/vacation homes, please notify us.

  • FedEx Ground (Small Packages): Indirect signature required.

  • After 3 failed delivery attempts, the package will be returned. Reshipping charges will apply.

White Glove Delivery: Available by request. Contact us for a quote.

Storage: Orders held at our facility longer than 1 week past expected completion date are subject to a $25/day storage fee.

Upon Receipt of Goods

All packages must be inspected within five (5) days of receipt. Please do not discard packaging materials until you have verified that everything is in order.

If your item arrives damaged:

  1. Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt and notify the driver.

  2. Email lighting@authenticdesigns.com within 5 days.

  3. Include clear photos of:

    • Damaged box exterior

    • Interior packaging

    • Damaged product

  4. Do not discard the original packaging.

  5. If you refuse a shipment, state the reason clearly on the receipt and notify us.

Repairs & Warranty

We proudly stand behind the craftsmanship of our work.

Lifetime Warranty: All Authentic Designs fixtures are warranted for the life of the product against defects in material and craftsmanship.

This warranty covers repair or replacement of the fixture itself only. It does not include electrician fees, site work, or shipping costs. The decision to repair or replace will be made at our sole discretion.

The warranty is void if:

  • Fixtures are modified or repaired without our written authorization

  • Fixtures are improperly installed or maintained

  • Damage is caused by misuse, weather, or normal wear and tear

Exterior Installations: For fixtures installed in coastal environments, we recommend regular rinsing with fresh water and use of a silicone lubricant on hinges and hardware.

For repair inquiries, email lighting@authenticdesigns.com with photos and a description. Please note that while we are not in the repair business, we always want to help our customers enjoy their lighting fixtures and will do our best to repair them.  Repairs are made on a time and materials basis.

Installation Disclaimer

All fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician. Authentic Designs is not responsible for damage or injury caused by improper installation or site conditions.

Clients are responsible for ensuring that the installation site is properly prepared—including structural, electrical, and environmental suitability.

Finish & Glass Variations

All finishes are hand-applied and many of our glass options are hand-blown. These processes result in subtle, natural variations in color, texture, and tone. These are considered features—not flaws.

Our Verdigris finish, in particular, is a living patina and may continue to evolve in appearance depending on exposure to air and moisture.

Finish samples are available for purchase on our website. For grouped orders, we do our best to maintain uniformity across fixtures.

Made-to-Order Craftsmanship

All of our fixtures are handcrafted in our Vermont workshops using traditional methods and tools. This hands-on process is what gives each piece its soul—and may also result in the kind of small imperfections that distinguish handmade work from mass production. These marks of craftsmanship are intentional and celebrated.

Light Bulb Guidelines

  • Candelabra Base Sockets (E12): Recommended max 60W incandescent (25W for enclosed fixtures).

  • Glass Globes/Hurricanes: Max 25–40W incandescent. Fixture dependent.

  • LED bulbs: We recommend 2700K for a warm, incandescent light tone.

  • Edison Base Sockets (E26): Max 100W incandescent.

  • Wax Sleeves: UL-listed for use with bulbs 25W or lower.

Taxes & Duties

All applicable state and local taxes will be collected where required.

International customers are responsible for customs duties, VAT, and any other import-related fees. An invoice will be included with all international shipments for customs clearance.

Privacy & Data Use

We value your trust. Your personal and payment information is used only for processing orders and communication. We do not sell or share your information. From time to time we will send email newsletters to keep you informed about Authentic Designs. Of course you may opt out of these if you wish.

Our website is encrypted and secure to ensure your data remains protected.

Intellectual Property

All designs, drawings, renderings, and written and visual content are the intellectual property of Authentic Designs and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without our written consent.

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